How excessive mobile use impacts your health: Elbow Syndrome and more

Technology has revolutionized our daily lives, making countless tasks easier for us. From the use of computers to work until the smartphones to communicate, we are increasingly dependent on these devices. However, the use excesivo of the technology may have effects negative on our health, often ignored. A concrete example of this impact is the prolonged use of cell phone, which can lead to the development of a problem known as Elbow Syndrome.

What is Elbow Syndrome?

El Elbow Syndrome, also known as "cell phone elbow," is a condition caused by the hyperextension of the nerves of the elbow due to a prolonged and unnatural posture when holding the cell phone next to the ear. This problem can cause symptoms such as pain, numbness y tingle which affects from the elbow to the fingers. The main cause is the constant stretching of the ulnar nerve, which runs along the inside of the arm and passes under the humerus.

When we maintain this posture for long periods, the circulation to the nerve, causing an uncomfortable sensation of numbness. If this habit persists, the damage can become permanent bases, affecting activities such as write, typescript or even play musical instruments.

How to detect the symptoms?

It is important to be alert to the following warning signs, since identifying them in time can prevent major damage:

• Numbness: Tingling sensation or loss of sensitivity between the elbow and the fingers, especially the ring and little fingers.
• Elbow Pain: Discomfort when maintaining the flexion position for a long time.
• Lack of strength: Difficulty performing everyday tasks such as opening jars or writing.

These symptoms may appear gradually, being initially ignored. However, if no action is taken, the damage can worsen.

Additional problems arising from excessive cell phone use

El Elbow Syndrome This is not the only problem associated with excessive use of mobile devices. Various studies have identified other common ailments:

1. Neck pain and text neck

El «text neck», or text neck syndrome, is an ailment caused by the long tilt of the neck when looking at the cell phone screen. This posture generates an overload in the cervical vertebrae and neck muscles, causing:

• Pain and stiffness in the cervical area.
• Headaches caused by muscle tension.
• Weakness in the shoulders and upper back.

In severe cases, this condition can lead to neuralgia, cervical disc herniation and permanent postural alterations.

2. Hand pain and stuck thumb

The use repetitive of the thumb to type messages or scroll the screen can cause inflammations in the tendons, leading to problems such as:

• Finger on the triger: The tendon becomes inflamed, making it difficult to move the finger.
• De Quervain's tendonitis: Inflammation in the tendon that extends the thumb.
• Carpal tunnel syndrome: Compression of the median nerve, causing tingling and weakness in the hand and fingers.

3. Impact on mental health

The use excessive mobile phone not only affects you physically, but can also cause Stress, anxiety and lack of sleep. The notifications constants and a permanent connection increases the levels of dopamine in the brain, linked to reward and satisfaction, generating addiction. This, in turn, can lead to insomnia, attention deficit e irritability.

Tips to prevent elbow syndrome and other ailments

Adopt Healthy Habits can make a difference by avoiding these problems:

• Alternate hands: Switch hands regularly when holding your phone to avoid prolonged strain on one side.
• Hands-free use: Opting for headphones or hands-free devices significantly reduces pressure on the ulnar nerve.
• correct posture: Keep your phone at eye level and avoid bending your neck forward or excessively flexing your elbow.
• Take breaks: Limit phone use to 20-minute intervals and take breaks to stretch your neck, arms and hands.
• Specific exercises: Strengthen your neck and hand muscles with simple exercises. For example, resistance exercises with the palm of your hand or gentle finger stretches.

Available Treatments

If you are already experiencing symptoms related to Elbow Syndrome or other ailments, it is important to act in time:

• Physiotherapy: A physical therapist can help you regain mobility and reduce inflammation using specific techniques.
• Medication: Anti-inflammatory drugs and muscle relaxants may be helpful under medical prescription.
• Surgery: In severe cases of ulnar nerve damage, surgery may be necessary.

In addition, the use of products such as thermal collars o wristbands can temporarily relieve pain and allow for better recovery.

The impact of prolonged cell phone use on our health is an issue that should not be taken lightly. Integrating healthy habits and paying attention to our body's signals will allow us to enjoy technological benefits without compromising our physical and mental well-being. Prioritize your health and do not underestimate the power of little changes in your daily routine.